Covering three states: Yucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo, the Yucatan Peninsula is among the most diverse region in the hemisphere. The Yucatan Peninsula possesses ancient ruins, rain forests, underground caves, colonial cities, offshore islands with luxury resorts, and natural wonders that will satisfy even the most seasoned travelers.
Journey Mexico crafts private, custom made itineraries for sophisticated travelers, in the Yucatan we specialize in tailored visits to archaeological sites and luxury hacienda experiences.
Itineraries
Highlights:
- Starwood Luxury Hacienda Collection: Hacienda Temozon, Hacienda Uayamon, and Hacienda San Jose
- Hacienda Sotuta de Peon
- Ek Balam Archaeological Site
- Edzna Archaeological Site
- Uxmal Archaeological Site
- Chichen Itza
- Merida City
- Valladolid
- Campeche City
- Celestun
Full Itinerary
Map route
Dates and Prices
This trip can be customized for a private journey all year round. Because this itinerary will be custom tailored to your liking, please inquire for exact pricing.
Highlights:
- Tulum
- Akumal
- Be Tulum Boutique Hotel
- Private Sian Ka’an Tour
- Private Tour to Coba & Cenote
- Chichen Itza
- Valladolid
- Hacienda Chichen
- Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel
- Celestun
- Merida
- Rosas y Xocolate Spa
Full Itinerary
Map route
Dates and Prices
This trip can be customized for a private journey all year round. Because this itinerary will be custom tailored to your liking, please inquire for exact pricing.
Highlights:
- Merida
- Valladolid
- Uxmal Archaeological Site
- Celestum Biosphere Reserve
- Chichen Itza
Full Itinerary
Map route
Dates and Prices
This trip can be customized for a private journey all year round. Because this itinerary will be custom tailored to your liking, please inquire for exact pricing.
Highlights:
- Ek Balam Archaeological Site
- Chichen Itza
- Uxmal Archaeological Site
- Edzna Archaeological Site
- Coba Archaeological Site
- Valladolid
- Izamal
- Campeche
- Merida
- XiXim – Celestun Biosphere Reserve
- Playa del Carmen
- Cenote Dos Ojos
Full Itinerary
Map route
Dates and Prices
This trip can be customized for a private journey all year round. Because this itinerary will be custom tailored to your liking, please inquire for exact pricing.
Our Guides
Journey Mexico’s expert private guides are the very best; it is not uncommon for them to hold degrees in art history, archeology, anthropology or biological sciences. Of course, our guides are also charming and personable; undoubtedly you will consider them your friend by the time you leave us! We understand the demanding service that luxury travelers require.
Testimonials
Creating my family’s itinerary was a collaborative and exciting process. The team at Journey Mexico understood what I was envisioning and created a customized, two week itinerary for us I couldn’t wait to experience. It covered all of the special highlights of the Yucatan – Mayan ruins, haciendas, cenotes (natural sinkholes commonly found in the Yucatan where you can swim), colonial cities and a stunning island called Holbox, where we ended our trip and vowed to make a return visit soon.
– Katherine Gould, July 2014
Day 1
Arrival to Cancun
Today you will be met at the Cancun airport and privately transferred to your lovely hotel, located at the gateway less than 20 minutes from Cancun International Airport.
Overnight: Nizuc
Day 2
Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid
Today enjoy a expertly guided tour of the Mayan archaeological site of Ek Balam and after, swim in a Mayan Cenote. Next, head to Valladolid, the first capital city of the Yucatan, today a bustling Mayan city with a special colonial flavor. Here, you will eat lunch and be welcomed at Coqui Coqui boutique hotel to visit the Coqui Coqui Perfumery, a place that was born and inspired by the charm of the Yucatan Peninsula and its tropical aromas. The Perfumery offers a selection of locally produced handcrafts. The journey continues with a final stopto Hacienda San Jose to settle into the lovely hacienda to spend rest of evening at leisure.
Overnight: Hacienda San Jose
Day 3
Merida City Tour & Hacienda Leisure
Today enjoy a Merida City day excursion and learn about this historic and thriving Yucatan city, including the colonial architecture, churches and monuments. You will also view the incredible collection of Mayan artifacts at the Anthropology Museum. Before heading back to your lovely hacienda, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride. The rest of the evening is yours to do so as you wish.
Overnight: Hacienda San Jose
Day 4
Biosphere Reserve of Celestun and Private Transfer to Campeche
Depart from Merida and travel to the Biosphere Reserve of Celestun, one of the regions most protected areas as well as a UNESCO Site. Here, our guides will helps navigate the serene waters of this massive wetland site to view one of the world’s most important Pink Flamingo colonies. After Celestun, continue towards the UNESCO World Heritage City of Campeche. This evening, you will settle into your charming hacienda and enjoy rest of evening at leisure.
Built in 1700, Hacienda Uayamon reflects the sophistication of a luxury resort with attention to surrounding natural beauty. Indulge in the soothing waters of the outdoor pool and sink into cotton woven hammocks over crystal waters for a mid-afternoon nap. For a luxurious, world-class experience, renew your spirit at the spa at Uayamon amongst graceful tulle netting, pristine massage beds, and aromatherapy candles. For an evening of elegance and international cuisine, Uayamon Restaurant provides a candlelit atmosphere amongst traditional hacienda walls with fresh-baked bread and creative dishes prepared using fresh, indigenous ingredients.
Overnight: Hacienda Uayamon
Day 5
Edzna Archeological Zone and Campeche City Tour
Today visit Edzna! Built on a high platform, Edzna’s major temple, Edificio de los Cinco Pisos provides a great view of the plazas below as well as a panorama of the surroundings.
Return to Campeche in the afternoon for a guided city visit. Campeche is a UNESCO World Heritage site with restored cobblestone streets, pastel-colored mansions, and impressive fortified walls that protected this former Spanish port from marauding pirates. It is a perfect place for an afternoon stroll along the malecon, the waterfront promenade, or a visit to the scenic Plaza Principal.
Overnight: Hacienda Uayamon
Day 6
Uxmal Mayan Archaeological Zone
Depart Campeche to Uxmal. Uxmal is located in the Puuc region with architecturethat is characterized by using mosaics to make facades over cement-covered walls and intricate cornices depicting Maya symbols. This ornate style abounds in Uxmal, considered by many to be the finest example of classic Maya architecture.
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Hacienda Temozon recreates the belle époque of the Mexican southeast. A hacienda of coral walls and white moldings awaits you in the tropical rainforest ambience of the Yucatan peninsula. Special details, like weathered wooden doors and rose petals, reflect the natural display of our Mayan cultural surroundings. Delight in the fine service this superb residence offers and discover the beauty of ancient Mayan architectural sites.
Overnight: Hacienda Temozon
Day 7
Hacienda Sotuta De Peon & Chichen Itza
The day begins at the living-museum of Hacienda Sotuta de Peon. Here, you will learn about haciendas which functioned like the plantations in the Southern US, and about henequen (sisal fiber), which was the source of the Yucatan’s wealth during the Colonial Era. Tour the processing plant, visit the main house, and take a mule-drawn rail cart tour of the fields, ending at a refreshing cenote. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the hacienda before continuing to our next stop, a hacienda near Chichen Itza.
Hacienda Chichen was among the first of Yucatan’s Haciendas. This Colonial hacienda was built by the Spaniards in 1528. Hacienda Chichen is uniquely famous among Mexico’s haciendas due to its intimate link with Mayan archaeology discoveries within Chichen Itza and for its current green vision and sustainable tourism activities making this boutique Eco-Spa Resort, the most committed green hotel in Yucatan, Mexico. Today, this Chichen Itza hotel ranks among Mexico’s best green spa resorts.
Overnight: Hacienda Chichen
Day 8
Private Off-Hours Visit to Chichen Itza
Early at sunrise enjoy an off-hours private visit to Chichen Itza, admiring the site prior to opening is an unforgettable experience (special permit required). Your Journey Mexico guide will introduce you to the daily routine of the Mayans, the history of 1,500+ year old pyramids and the significance of the name Chichén Itzá.
After the site visit, meet your guide for a private transfer to Cancun Airport for departure flight. Other extension options include a visit to Coba or a beach extension in the Riviera Maya.
Day 1
Private Transfer to Tulum
Today you will be met at the Cancun airport and privately transferred to your boutique hotel in Tulum and your home for the following 3 nights. At arrival immerse yourself in a blend of luxury and nature, in an unparalleled hideaway surrounded by a tropical forest and the ocean. Your suite features a welcome romantic room adornment, daily American breakfast (special service at your room if honeymooners) and a relaxing private pool on the ground floor (or a jacuzzi on the second floor).
At night, you will enjoy a special dinner on the beach, where we have confirmed reservations for a three course meal.
Overnight: Be Tulum – Arena Suite
Day 2
Tulum & Akumal
Start your day with a privately guided visit to the world-famous site of Tulum, considered to be one of the most beautiful Mayan archaeological sites, and the only Mayan al site to be in use at the time of the Spanish conquest, Tulum, means wall in Mayan. This beautiful site sits on 15-meter high cliffs above the sea.
Once you have visit the site you will continue on to a well deserved lunch (not included) before we head to Akumal where you will be snorkeling into the turquoise Caribbean sea (weather and sea conditions permitting) and have the chance to see wild turtles in their natural environment. You will have some free time at the beach before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Be Tulum – Arena Suite
Day 3
Private Tour to Sian Ka’anHacienda Leisure
Today you will visit the fascinating Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, where you will be led on a tour of the mangroves and wet-lands that constitute one of Mexico’s most extensive and important protected areas by the local Maya community that lives there. Explore the marine wilderness of the mangroves and estuaries harbored within the largest protected area in Mexico on board your private boat and you optionally enjoy a time for snorkeling. Watching the vast blue sky go by and the unique roots of the Mangroves, you will gain a greater appreciation for this sacred site, Sian Ka’an Where the Sky is Born in Maya language.
After the excursion, head back to the hotel to freshen up and then it’s a dinner night on the town. You will meet your private transportation (3:00hrs service) to Playa del Carmen to enjoy a suggested dinner and/or drinks at Nibs restaurant in Cacao boutique hotel; a smooth new flavor in Playa del Carmen that combines high-end design touches with a bohemian touch and a slight Morocco-in-the-70’s vibe.
Overnight: Be Tulum – Arena Suite
Day 4
Private Tour to Coba & Cenote to Chichen Itza
Early today meet your guide for a private transfer and guided excursion to Coba, The Mayas built many intriguing cities in the Yucatán, but few grander than Cobá. Much of the site remains unexcavated.
After the tour you will enjoy time to swim and relax in one the most important and beautiful Mayan cenotes of the area. From here we start on our journey to Chichen Itza and at night settle into the quaint Hacienda Chichen Resort & Yaxkin Spa. This lovely hotel is dedicated to sustainable tourism which has helped the Hacienda Chichen become Yucatan’s best eco-cultural sanctuary and Mayan Spa Retreat, supporting the Maya living culture and people, while offering its guests exquisite Yucatan’s best green hotel accommodations, unique personal experiences, eco-vision hotel practices and Mayan cultural traditions
Overnight: Hacienda Chichen
Day 5
Chichen Itza & Valladolid
An early start allows for you to visit Chichen Itza before the groups arrive from Cancun. In its time, this amazing place was one of the largest cities with the most diverse population in the Maya world, a factor that could have contributed to the variety of architectural styles at the site. Your Journey Mexico guide will introduce you to the daily life’s of the Mayans, the history of the over 1,500 year old pyramids and the significance of the name Chichén Itzá.
Next, we head to Valladolid for lunch (not included), Valladolid was the first capital city of the Yucatan, today a bustling Mayan city with a special colonial flavour. Here, you will be welcomed at Coqui Coqui boutique hotel, to visit the Coqui Coqui Perfumery, a place that was born and inspired by the charm of the Yucatan Peninsula and it’s tropical aromas. The Perfumery collection and offers the locally produced selection of handcrafts.
At night we arrive in Merida where you can settle into your small luxury boutique hotel, Casa Lecanda, located in the historical center. This special property was built in a completely restored traditional Yucatecan home and was designed to retain the original Meridian style with points of European luxury so prevalent in the golden age of Merida’s Sisal barons.
Overnight: Casa Lecanda – Patio Room
Day 6
Private Tour to Celestun & Merida
You will be picked up at 8:00 AM in the hotel lobby for a private tour of wonderful wildlife sanctuary, Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, an enticing spot for all naturalists, there are more than 200 species of birds to be seen here. Celestun is home to one of the largest migratory flamingo populations in the world. Enjoy a boat ride thru the river admiring wonders of nature, beautiful flamingo colonies, and fresh water springs.
After free time for lunch you will head back to Merida for a city tour and learn about this historic and thriving Yucatan city, including the colonial architecture, churches and monuments ending with a short horse-drawn carriage ride.
Enjoy rest of evening at leisure, suggested dinner is at the award-winning Casa de Piedra restaurant located at the hotel boutique Hacienda Xcanatun a 18th-century treasure that preserves its heritage and pampers guests with modern indulgences offering a gourmet fuse of European techniques with Caribbean and Yucatecan ingredients.
Overnight: Casa Lecanda – Patio Room
Day 7
Spa Day at Rosas y Xocolate
This evening, after a day at leisure in Merida, you will meet your driver at the hotel lobby for a private transfer to hotel boutique Rosas & Xocolate’s beautiful spa, for you to enjoy their signature soa treatment “Xocolate Experience”. This is a 3 stages treatment based on chocolate and cacao oils and an unforgettable dessert for the soul!
After your spa treatment and before heading back to your lovely hotel we suggest that you enjoy dinner or cocktail drink at the Sky Moon Lounge at Rosas& Xocolate (meals or beverages not included). The atmosphere of the restaurant is imbued with the predominant style that identifies Rosas & Xocolate, get immersed in the ample spaces that offers the possibility to move about several amazing environments, all in the same place and only a few steps apart.
You can enjoy the gastronomic fusion authored by the innovative Chef in the space of your selection, either in the open sky Moon Lounge, in the exterior or interior terraces with water gardens, in a contemporary bistro with its play of light and shadows.
Overnight: Casa Lecanda – Patio Room
Day 8
Departure Day
Today you will be picked up at your for a private transfer to airport.
Day 1
Cancun to Merida, Ek Balam
Early today you will meet your guide at the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Merida. Our first stop en route is to visit the enormous acropolis pyramid, located inside the Mayan site of Ek Balam. Ek Balam, which means black jaguar, was at the height of its importance as a city during the Late Classic period (600-900 A.C.). After spending time at Ek Balam, you will continue to refresh and swim in a Mayan Cenote. Cenotes were once the only resource for fresh, sweet water in the Yucatecan jungle and they were the sacred places of the Maya because they represented the entrance to the underworld.
Our journey then continues to Valladolid, a Mexican Magical Town, for lunch. Valladolid is aa bustling Mayan city with a special colonial flavour. Here, you you will see the majority of the townspeople still using the typical dress of the Maya while the buildings around the Main Plaza painted pastel colors. After free time for lunch we continue to Merida City your home for following 2 nights. At arrival settle into your lovely hotel and enjoy rest of evening at leisure.
Overnight: Rosas & Xocolate
Day 2
Uxmal
Early today you will be picked up in the hotel lobby for a private tour of delightful archaeological site of Uxmal. Uxmal (OOSH-mahl) means “‘built three times” in the Mayan language, and though its name is a mystery, its beauty is not. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best restored and maintained ruins in the Yucatan, and certainly one of the most magnificent. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant (not included) and try some traditional Yucatecan famous dishes such as Cochinita Pibil.
This afternoon back in Merida City you will enjoy a free time to relax and prepare for your priately guided Historic Center tour to admire the colonial architecture, churches, and monuments of this thriving Yucatan city ending with a short calesa ride (carriage ride). Dinner on your own at leisure. Includes 2 adult entrances for Uxmal and calesa ride.
Overnight: Rosas & Xocolate
Day 3
Celestun Biosphere Reserve
After a hearty breakfast, we will head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve of Celestun. Our speedy boat will navigate the winding canals of this vast mangrove and wet lands complex arriving to visit the permanent colony of Pink Flamingos that make their home here. We return to the boat dock and the town of Celestun for a delicious treat of local seafood delights (not included) under the shade of our thatched roof palapa restaurant on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Afterwards your journey continues towards Chichen Itza. At arrival settle into your charming hotel and enjoy rest of evening at leisure. Includes 2 adult entrance fees for Celestun and boat.
Overnight: The Lodge at Chichen Itza
Day 4
Chichen Itza Archaeological Site
Your guide will meet you early this morning to beat the crowds and tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chichen Itza. Under the expert knowledge of our guide, the ball courts, temples, and plazas come alive. Continue on to Cancun Airport (2 hrs approximately) for departure flight back home. Includes 2 adult entrance fees for Chichen Itza.
Day 1
Arrival Day to Cancun
At arrival your private vehicle and driver will be waiting for you to welcome you to Cancun and transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight: Nizuc
Day 2
Ek Balam Archeological Site and Valladolid
Head to Ek Balam Archaeological Site for a tour followed by Valladolid for lunch. Valladolid was the first capital city of the Yucatan, today a bustling Mayan city with a special colonial flavor. Later this evening is yours to spend at leisure.
Overnight: Hacienda Chichen
Day 3
Off-Hours Privately Guided Visit to Chichen Itza with Uxmal and Campeche
Early at sunrise you will enjoy an off hours private visit to Chichen Itza. Admiring the site prior to opening to the public is an unforgettable experience. Next, visit Campeche with a stop at Uxmal Archeological Site on the way. As a UNSCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best restored and maintained ruins in the Yucatan. Tonights accomodations are at a luxury hacienda. Overnight: Hacienda Puerta Campeche
Day 4
Privately Guided Excursion to Edzna Archaeological Site & Campeche City
Today after breakfast you will depart the hotel for a short transfer to Edzna, the Maya archaeological site outside of Campeche. Built on a platform of 40 meters high, Edzna’s major temple, Edificio de los Cinco Pisos (Five-Story Building) provides a great view of the plazas below as well as a panorama of the countryside.
After the site head back to Campeche City to discover that Campeche is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with restored cobblestone streets, pastel-colored mansions, and impressive fortified walls that protected this former Spanish port from marauding pirates. It is a perfect place for an afternoon stroll along the malecon, the waterfront promenade, or a visit to the scenic Plaza Principal.
Overnight: Hacienda Puerta Campeche
Day 5
XiXim Hotel & Visit to Becal
Today you’ll enjoy morning at leisure and after hotel check out we depart towards the Biosphere Reserve of Celestun, en route stop at Becal for lunch and enjoy a private tour of a town famous for its traditional hats made of jipi, the statue of two monumental Panama hats which reigns supreme in the center of Bécal’s main plaza leaves little doubt as to the town’s claim to fame.
Your journey continues to the northwest part of the Yucatan Peninsula arriving at the Special Biosphere Reserve of Celestun, where you will discover your harmony with nature in a 3 nights stay at the Hotel Xixim, nestled on a 3 mile virgin white sand beach.
Overnight: Xixim
Day 6
Xixim Free Day
From your bungalow you will have direct exclusive access to 3 miles of white sand beaches. On the Xixim beach you can chill out under a shady ramada resting areas, sunbathe, play volleyball, or sail in a kayak, (all without additional cost). Mexico is known worldwide for its unique coastline. In the Gulf of Mexico the sea is shallow and very calm in the morning, so swimming in its warm waters is a pleasure. Optional Activities include: boat ride through mangroves and visiting flamingos colony in Celestun Biosphere Reserve; kayaking in Celestún’s salt flats lagoons (from September to January only); cooking ceviche class with organic products; moon light safari at night; mangrove adventure and bird watching; and off shore fishing.
Overnight: Xixim
Day 7
Merida City
Meet your private guide drive towards Merida City to explore this thriving and historic Yucatan City. Discover its colonial architecture, churches and monuments and enjoy a Calesa tour ride. After city tour and lunch you will continue to your luxury hacienda where you will settle in and enjoy rest of evening at leisure.
Overnight: Hacienda San Jose Cholul
Day 8
Izamal
Today enjoy a half day private tour to the Mexican Magical town of Izamal where you will visit the Franciscan monastery and explore the mysterious Yellow City know. Suggested lunch at Kinich restaurant.
Overnight: Hacienda San Jose Cholul
Day 9
Coba, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Playa del Carmen
In the morning, meet your guide for a private transfer and guided excursion to Coba Archaeological Site. After the tour you will enjoy time to swim and relax in one the most beautiful Mayan cenotes in the area. The journey continues towards the Mexican Caribbean, arriving at your luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen.
Overnight: Esencia
Day 10-11
Leisure Day
These days are yours to enjoy at leisure to relax in your lovely surroundings and take advantage of the many amenities and activities available in Riviera Maya or just lay back at the white sands and turquoise seas. As optional activity you may visit the beachfront ruins of Tulum Archaeological Site, Rio Secreto, Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an, among others.
Overnight: Esencia
Day 12
Departure Day: Cancun
